Pages 1-6 Summary

Giovanni moves from the south of Italy to the northern city of Padua to study. He is a good student who states a deep understanding of Italian literature - in this opening section, he references Dante's Inferno. He also gives the impression of being naïve, and this is obviously the first time he has been away from home.

His landlady Lisabetta is the first person to make him aware of the beautiful garden underneath his window when she tells him to check out the sun - as good she claims as the sun in Southern Italy. While Giovanni immediately scoffs at her claim, he is taken aback at the sight of the gorgeous garden below. The central point is a marble fountain, which though cracked through the middle not only maintains its noble qualities, but gushes fresh water. Among the...